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2024 Embrace Logo 2 (1).png
Image by Jacek Dylag

Most Reverend Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
Porto Charities
Honorary Chairs Tom and Laura Bell
invite you to

Embrace

Porto Charities Annual Advocacy Awards Gala

April 20, 2024
Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, VA.

Benefiting Youth with Disabilities in the Diocese of Arlington 

We are pleased to announce that we are hosting our 2nd Annual Advocacy Awards Gala at Bishop Ireton High School on April 20, 2024. The Gala is Porto Charities signature event where the Diocese of Arlington comes together to recognize and celebrate advocates for inclusion of people with disabilities in our parishes and schools. At the Gala we will be honoring advocates in 5 distinct categories: Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Employer (School or Parish), Outstanding Peer Mentor, and Outstanding School and the Porto Charities Catalyst Award.

Event Information

Honorary Chairs:

Tom and Laura Bell​

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Event Chairs:

Jerry and Pamela Pelano

 

Steering Committee

Leo Alonso

Carmen Chiappetta

Christine Fowler

Stew McHie

Lupita Williamson

Auction Chair

Kim Perry

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Nominations Chair

Kathryn Doherty​

Board of Directors

Leo Alonso, President

Tony Stafford, Vice President

John Reidt, Treasurer

Bill Mundy, Secretary

Bill Dalgetty, Governance

Jerry Pelano, Development

Art Bennett
Dan Braun

Patrick Cross

Sheila Earhardt

Therese Fimian

Christine Fowler

Paul Frommelt

Dave Hoppe

Stew McHie
Richard Milone

Fr. Rich Miserendino

Laura Saracina

Dear Friends in Christ,


Please join us to assist children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to receive an inclusive Catholic education and meaningful employment. It is Porto Charities’ mission to increase the educational and employment opportunities for these individuals through grants and advocacy programs supporting the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

 

More and more diocesan families are looking for these same opportunities for their children, but there are not enough resources available for all Catholic schools and parishes to start or sustain programs that address these needs.

 

We invite you to join us in-person on Saturday, April 20, 2024 for Embrace: the 2nd Annual Porto Charities Advocacy Awards Gala. Porto Charities Advocacy Awards will be given in four distinct categories recognizing the outstanding effort and impact the recipient has in inspiring an atmosphere of inclusion and belonging for students and young adults: Outstanding Educator, Employer, Peer Mentor and School.

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In addition, we will be honoring Megan Battle with the Catalyst Award for her role as advocate, coach and leader in both inclusive education and meaningful employment in the Diocese of Arlington.


The evening will be a wonderful event that will include Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Burbidge with a reception and dinner to follow, along with a short awards program. Ticket and sponsorship information can be found on this page. If you cannot join us, any donation, large or small would be appreciated.


We thank you for your commitment to support inclusive Catholic education and employment for all of God’s children. May God continue to bless you and your families, and may the Holy Spirit Embrace you for your generous heart.

Detailed Sponsorship & Ticket Information

Legacy

$100,000 

  • Reservations for thirty guests at three tables with premier seating 

  • Address the Audience from the Podium 

  • Highlighted in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn)

  • Featured in Porto Charities’ newsletter

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $97,540

Silver

$10,000

  • ï‚·Reservation for ten guests at one table with premier seating

  • Highlighted in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn)

  • Recognition from the Podium

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $9,180

Supporter

$1,000

  • Reservations for two guests at one table

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $836

Platinum

$50,000 

  • Reservations for twenty guests at two tables with premier seating 

  • Address the Audience from the Podium 

  • Highlighted in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn)

  • Featured in Porto Charities’ newsletter

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $48,360

Brass

$5,000

  • ï‚·Reservations for ten guests at one table

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $4,180

Volunteers' Table

 $1,000

  • Sponsor a table for 10 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Peer Mentors volunteering at the Gala.

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $1,000

Diamond

$25,000

  • ï‚· Reservations for ten guests at one table with premier seating

  • Recognition from the Podium

  • Highlighted in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn)

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $24,180

Bronze

$3,500

  • Reservations for ten guests at one table

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $2,680

Individual Ticket

$200

Ticket to attend the event.

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  • Tax Benefits = $118

Gold

$15,000

  • ï‚·Reservations for ten guests at one table with premier seating

  • Recognition from the Podium 

  • Highlighted in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn)

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $14,180

Partner

$2,500

  • Reservations for ten guests at one table

  • Table Signage

  • Tax Benefits = $1,680

Raffle Tickets

1/$25 or 5/$100

Enter a chance to win amazing raffle prizes. All proceeds benefit youth with disabilities in the Diocese of Arlington. â€‹

  • One ticket: $25

  • Five tickets: $100

Questions?

Please contact our Gala Co-Chair, Jerry Pelano at jerry.pelano@portocharities.org

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